How to Grow and Care for a Fishbone Cactus | Epiphyllum anguliger

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The Epiphyllum anguliger or Fishbone cactus is one of my favorite plants. It makes me happy just looking at it.

The fishbone cactus forms long flat and succulent stems resembling a fishbone. Hence the name. It’s also sometimes called ricrac orchid cactus. Ricrac ribbon has that same sort of shape.

Fishbone cacti are easy to care for and very low maintenance. So if you tend to always kill your plants, give this one a try. It might even show off some flowers if the conditions are right.

The stem leaves of the fishbone cactus start out growing upright, but as they grow and get longer, they start to trail down. Making the fishbone cactus a great choice as a hanging plant, or displayed on a plant pedestal table.

How much light does a fish bone cactus need?

Place your fishbone cactus in a bright spot with indirect light. If it happens to get some direct sunlight, no worries it can handle it, but keep it limited.

They don’t usually flower indoors, but it can be done. Start by giving your fishbone cactus a bit more full sun in late summer to early fall. This can help the plant produce flowers. If you are so lucky, the flowers will open at night and only last one day. Don’t miss it!

Fishbone Cactus Watering

Fishbone cacti originate from the moist and humid rainforest. Not from the dry desert like most cacti.

This means that your fishbone cactus likes a bit more water than the average cactus. Make sure it gets enough water, especially during spring and summer. Mist it occasionally for a little added humidity.

Keep the soil moist and fertilize during the growing period. In winter let the top of the soil dry out before watering. It can handle a little neglect, but jungle cacti don’t like it to be bone dry for too long.

Aerial Roots on a Fishbone Cactus

You might wonder why your plant is growing roots above the ground. Those are called aerial roots and are quite normal. Especially in epiphytic plants, which the fishbone cactus is.

Most epiphytic plants produce aerial roots to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. But they also use them as anchors. Epiphytic plants don’t need soil because they grow on the branches of other plants and trees. Anchoring themselves to their host plant with their air roots.

So it might just be that your fishbone cactus is growing aerial roots looking for something to cling to.

But aerial roots can also appear if your plant needs more humidity, or is lacking nutrients. So definitely do a quick checkup when you see aerial roots on your fishbone cactus. Maybe you do need to give it some water. Or a humidity tray to sit on.

How to Prune and Propagate a Fishbone Cactus

The fishbone cactus just naturally has a wild untamed look. This is not to say that you would never want to prune an overly unruly stem. Go for it. Prune your fishbone cactus if you think it needs a cut.

Super long stems can safely be cut back to shorten. New stems will usually grow right from where you cut it. Making your plant grow back fuller.

Another added bonus is that you can easily propagate the cut-off piece of the stem and turn it into a new plant!

It is best to take stem cuttings in spring to late summer. Look for young growth for the best chance of success.

Once your cutting is in the soil, hold off from watering until you see signs of growth. When it starts to grow it means your cutting has grown roots. If you water before it has roots, your cutting will most likely start to rot. Give it a little mist if you can’t help yourself.

How to propagate a Fishbone cactus

Materials

Instructions

Cut a piece from the mother plant. You can propagate one leaf stem, or cut one long stem into shorter 3-5" sections and propagate all. Just make sure to remember which side is up on each section, so you won't plant them upside down.

Leave your cutting(s) alone for a few days so they can callus over.

Plant the cutting, callused end down, into cactus soil mixed with perlite or peat moss.

Do not water until you see signs of growth and your plant has roots. Mist if you think its necessary.